My new issue of The Writer magazine features an article by an award-winning writer about SHORT STORIES. I like that the magazine also has one of her short stories following the article. In the article, she gives 12 items that often help make a short story our of bits and pieces.*I decided to try something. I am going to list each point and "without reading" the article make a guess to what I think and feel that tip means, even before I read the article. Then, later, when I have read the article, I will "blog" about it and let you know if I guessed correctly.1. Life doesn't come fully assembled; neither do stories.Boy, do I ever wish that life came fully assembled. That would really make it a lot easier on all of us. Then again, it is the bumps and knocks along the way that make us who we are, right?2. Let your characters be themselves. Just like us, nobody really likes anyone to tell them what to do.3. Stay out of the way, as much as possible. I take this to mean, Basically, allow the story to have a life of its own. Do not try to live the story for the story. 4. Don't plan, don't plot; just write. I think that I do this. Some people sit down and plot and do note cards and make their writing like a "mini movie." I do not do that. I sit down and write and let the story go where it wants to go. I have had times that I have gotten stuck and I think..."Where do I go next."5. Don't stop short. Hmmm..My first thought is to keep writing until you reach the end and go back and edit. Maybe we should let the story grow, like a tree, until it is mature and then chop down the tree.6. Juxtaposition deepens and informs any story. I think of changing sides or looking at something from a different view or angle. I learned, many years ago, that when painting a picture it helps to look at the painting "up-side-down." It forces your mind to see it fresh and new.7. Always tell two stories. Well, I think of telling a story in a story. Show that a story has more than one dimension or level. I think of point of view, too.8. Do use yourself and your life in your stories. I have always been told that a writer should write what they know. That is why you often find "ex-cops" writing crime novels.9. First and last sentences matter a great deal. As for me, I want the book or story or poem to grab my attention at the first sentence and make me feel disapointed as I read the last sentence. I have picked up books and read the opening only to put the book back down, again.10. Don't be afraid to philosophize in the middle of the story. Hmmm...I wonder if this means that a writer should stop and think and bring back into focus what the story is all about anyway. 11. No story will finish itself. I guess I feel the same way about a painting. I often paint and when I think the painting is finished, I leave it for a day or two and then go back to it. I have yet to have a painting pick up the paint brush and sign my name to it.12. Always work on several stories at the same time. I get tired sometimes and I have to change my focus. Maybe that is what the writer means here. I have to walk away or do something else, then I go back and the story has new life.Those are my thoughts on JUST the points in the article. Later, after reading the article, I will come back and let you know if I got close to the "bulls eye" or if I was "way off the mark."

My August Issue of "The Writer" just came in. I am excited to get it and see what it has to offer. The front cover features "Story Solutions" :Great tips on piecing together a story, from start to finish. (Plus, there is a short story by the author.)Other articles:*Creative ways to keep your story moving*A top book editor on what it takes to succeed*An interview with Mona Simpson "On getting it done." *New Publishing: Why video blogging is the next big thing*OFF THE CUFF Do you really need to write every day?*HOW I WRITE "American Dervish" author Ayad Akhtar...and lots more!Starting today, I am going to read each article and comment on it in a blog.

July is here and I am not ready. This has been such a busy time for me personally and trying to get things done with Sleepytown Press.I appologize for taking so long on important projects: 1. The New Voice Winners- I am still working on illustrations and trying to get everything put into place. I did not expect it to take so long. It has been one thing after the other.2. Gallery of Voices- It is such a "huge" chore to sift through so many stories and get them into a book. I have all of them selected, but each story has to be formatted on its own and placed in the book, then I have to make sure they all look the same. It has been quite the task, but I am still working toward a "finish line."3. Finishing books- I have several books that are being "wrapped-up" for publishing. It has been one thing after the other, but, after two years of publishing, I have learned more and the authors have learned more. It takes time to create "perfection."4. Changing Jobs- Starting in August, I will be working at a different school. I have transferred from a high school to a middle school. I am really looking forward to the change. I need it.5. Family Changes and Challenges- The past few months have brought changes in the family. One of my daughters has been looking for an apartment and finally found one to her liking. We are still in the process of moving her in.6. Lots of stuff to do and not enough time.